Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment may be recommended to save a tooth that has been severely damaged due to decay, disease or injury. Such damage can cause infection or inflammation of the pulp (nerves and blood vessels that lie inside the tooth).

This may present itself as –

• Pain (continuous or throbbing)
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Abscess formation
• Tenderness of the tooth itself or surrounding gum
• Discoloration or darkening of tooth

Once the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, RCT is required to save such a tooth. If left untreated, it can cause severe pain, even abscess. An abscess can spread and damage the bone and tissues surrounding the root of the tooth. The tooth may then have to be removed.

Root Canal Treatment may need 2-4 visits depending upon how many canals are present. Front teeth and premolars usually have 1-2 canals and back teeth known as molars can have 3-4 canals.

During the procedure, local anaesthesia is used to block the pain. Tooth is isolated from the rest of the oral cavity by using a thin sheet of latex called Rubber Dam. Non latex sheets can be used for a patient who might be latex allergic. Isolating the tooth helps to keep the tooth clean and dry during treatment. Pulp is reached by drilling into the tooth and removed using special instruments called files. Each canal is then accessed, cleaned, enlarged and shaped. Medicament may be placed inside the canal to get rid of inflammation and infection. Sometimes oral antibiotics may be needed to treat infection. Several radiographs may be needed to ensure the successful completion of the RCT.

After the completion of RCT, a crown may be recommended as a long term management for the tooth.